Other Orders

There are an additional eight Orders that operate in Far North Queensland, which are concordant with or appendant to Freemasonry. One such example is the Order of the Eastern Star which is an order open to women.

Mark MasonsAn appendant of Freemasonry, The Order of Mark Master Masons is considered to be the fourth degree in Freemasonry or an extension of the Fellowcraft Degree. Trinity Mark Lodge No. 36 belongs to this Order and comes under the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons of Queensland.

Royal ArchA Freemason becomes eligible to join the Holy Royal Arch on the first anniversary of completing his third degree. This order will enable him to work towards uncovering the mysteries of a Master Mason, interpreting the Third Degree tracing board, taking part in several degrees and exclusive rights to joining orders only available to Royal Arch Masons.

Knights TemplarUnlike Craft Masonry where men of all faiths who believe in a Supreme being are welcome, the Knights Templar only take men who believe in the Christian religion. Their ceremonies feature reading from the Bible.

Scottish RiteAnother Appendant of Craft Freemasonry, the Scottish Rite is open to Master Masons who have a desire to learn more about the philosophical and ethical teachings introduced in craft Lodges. They will eventually work their way through the 4th to 33rd degrees. The Order is however restricted to Master Masons who identify as Christian.

There are four Scottish Rite Lodges that come under the Supreme Council 33 for the Ancient and Accepted Rite for Australia in the District of Far North Queensland:

While there is one Lodge in the Province of Carpentaria that operates under the Supreme Council 33 for the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite for Scotland:

Miles 18 Rose Croix Chapter

Order of the Secret MonitorA Freemason becomes eligible to join the Order of the Secret Monitor on the first anniversary of completing his third degree. The Order is centred on the great friendship between David (who became King David) and Jonathan (King Saul’s son). Upon entering the Oder Freemasons will complete three degrees known as Induction as a Secret Monitor, Princes Degree and Installation Ceremony of Supreme Ruler.

There are three Lodges within the District that come under the Order of the Secret Monitor:

Irukandji Conclave 4Tablelands Conclave 11Tam-o-Shanter Conclave 6

Red Cross of ConstantineMore formally known as the Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine and the Orders of the Holy Sepulchre and of St John the Evangelist, Freemasons who join this order are required to work towards completing five degrees. The order focuses on the life of Roman Emperor Constantine who endorsed Christianity during his reign.

There is one Lodge in the District that belongs to this order:

Nazareth Conclave 6

Royal Order of ScotlandMembership to the Royal Order of Scotland is by invitation only and can only be extended to Freemasons who have been a Master Mason for five years. Upon joining Freemasons will work towards completing two degrees –Heredom of Kilwinning and Knight of the Rosy Cross (similar subject matter to the Scottish Rite).

The Provincial Grand Lodge of Carpentaria is active in the Carpentaria District.

Order of the Eastern StarThe Order of the Eastern Star is open to both men and women. It too requires members to believe in a Supreme Being. The order focusses on the five most prominent women in the Bible. Thus member must complete five degrees called: Daughter Degree (Jephthah's Daughter), widow’s degree (Ruth), wife’s degree (Esther), Sister Degree (Martha) and the Mother’s Degree (Electa).